The mission of the Home Builders Association of Northern
Kentucky is to promote and enhance the integrity and
visibility of the construction industry and the members of the
organization through advocacy, communication, education

5.................................................................Ambassador of the Year

Guide is a special edition of the Northern KY Builder. Northern
Kentucky Builder™ is an official publication of the Home Builders
Association of Northern Kentucky, 2751 Circleport Drive, Erlanger,
Kentucky 41018. It is published in the interest of the Northern
Kentucky building industry and read by home builders, remodelers,
general contractors, developers, engineers, bankers, Realtors,®
architects, material dealers, subcontractors and manufacturers. All
rights reserved. Copying or reproduction without the expressed
permission of the Home Builders Association of Northern

echnology is changing rapidly and so to are the many ways that it benefits the members
of the HBA and the consumers that the HBA works to connect you to. For three years
now the HBA Board of Directors has been looking into technology during its annual
planning session. The leaders of the HBA have examined how technology changes the way we
do business and how it may affect the way members and consumers interact with the HBA and
its products and services. Also, the leaders have been bombarded with messages regarding how
technology changes the culture and how business leaders collaborate and connect.

The HBA is further ahead than many other HBA’s with regard to technology today. We have a single
point database that runs our membership tracking, invoicing, event and show management and outbound
electronic messaging. Recently the HBA has been working on improving the use of our existing technology.
We have been enhancing the event descriptions, emails and consumer show pages of our website at www.
homebuildersnky.com. Hopefully you have taken the time to look at the website and have seen the improved
show pages where homes and projects are listed, photos curated, company logos displayed and links going to
our participant’s web pages. What’s more we have just begun using a mobile application available on apple
devices that displays everything you see on the web page but does more. Now, with a tap, visitors can access
maps of projects, browse photo galleries, and tap to call the business about the project or for any other
reason. We have begun to deliver DVD’s of our AGC/SIF Workers Compensation Safety classes for the
ease of our members. All you have to do is contact us and we send a copy of the DVD in the mail. Watch the
video, take the test, mail it in and you are done.
With improved service of our systems we urge members to utilize the power at their hands. Members
are now able to sign up for events online, enter homes and projects into our consumer shows, purchase
sponsorships of events, and manage their data we keep on file. Once you log into the system you will be able
to access all of your data at your fingertips to manage as your see fit. We ask that you visit our website, sign
in and let your fingers plan your future.
So what does the future hold? The HBA leaders are working on a three year strategic plan which includes
in it components of communication, education, advocacy and political action (Look for upcoming issues
of the Northern Kentucky Builder for a full rollout of the plan). Every task force has technology in mind
while they are creating their plans. Expect to see an improved HBA website, mobile applications, online
education and much more.
While our leaders are creating their three year plan please call the HBA about your technology needs. We
would love to hear from you in order to meet your needs as soon as possible. And if you have any other
question, need your username and password to access our system, or simply have a comment on how we
can better help you and your business please call the HBA at 859-331-9500 or by email at info@hbanky.
com. Your comments and questions are delivered directly to the leadership of the HBA and are heard,
answered and acted upon. The HBA is truly a grassroots organization doing its best to help you. We are
all in this thing together.

New Member Orientation is not only for the new members who are
recruited throughout the year, but also for members who have never
attended a New Member Orientation. You would be amazed at the
services and benefits the Home Builders Association provides their
members that you may not be aware of because you have not attended
a New Member Orientation. Plan to join us for our next New Member
Orientation at the Home Builders Office.

KY

New Members
Welcome! We are truly happy to
have your support and membership!

JANE SHERBURNE
Company: Hamilton Parker Company
Position: Account Manager
Community I live in: Dayton, Ohio
My favorite thing to do when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not working is:
Gardening and home improvement
My reason for belonging to the HBA of
Northern Kentucky: Networking to promote
our company being new in the area
Something unique about my company is: 75+
year old company. 3rd generation owned from
Columbus, Ohio

If you do business with any of the missing members,
please encourage them to get back in the action at
the HBA!

Diana DeVore, Guardian Savings Bank,
presents the 2012 Ambassador of the Year
Award to Roger Toennis, Cornerstone
Window and Door. Congratulations
Roger! Roger has been a faithful
ambassador for the Home Builders
Association for many years.

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current students who want to help your business compete and grow!
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Training and Trade school has graduated thousands of individuals who now help shape the
economy of Northern Kentucky. With a 95% job placement rate and more than 75% job retention after apprenticeship, our graduates are an outstanding addition to any company, large
or small! Call today to find skilled labor to help your business grow and prosper!

Contact Thomas Napier, PhD,
Director of Professional Development
at the HBA (859) 331-9500 x19

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Northern Kentucky 859.331.3300
Northern Kentucky BUILDER

9

Donald Martin Wiedeman, Executive Vice
President of the Home Builders Association
of Northern Kentucky for 37 Years Passes
It is with great pain in our hearts that we inform you that our first Executive Vice President, Don Wiedeman has passed from this
earth. Don was Past President of the Executive Officers Council of the National Association of Home Builders, a member of the
American Society of Association Executives, Past President of Cincinnati Society Association Executives, helped to organize the
Herbst Tour in Camp Springs, a member of the Tri State Photographic Society, Army Veteran of Korean Conflict and was a member
of Camp Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Louise S. Wiedeman. He is survived by a
daughter, Dena Crain; two sisters, Carole Cleves and Marilyn “Binky” Sullivan; two brothers, Louis “Pete” Wiedeman and Robert
Wiedeman; dear friends, Marty and Nancy McClanahan; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The staff of the Home Builders
Association reached out to many of our Past Presidents and long time staff in order to provide this testimony of Don and all that he
has done for our association and for Northern Kentucky. If you have memories of your time with Don we encourage you send them
to Brian Miller at bmiller@hbanky.com so that we may share them with our HBA family.
Kevin Krumpelman
President 2002
Don was the HBA. He was involved in every aspect
and could answer any question you had.
Janis Beard
HBA Staff
Don was a true gentleman. He genuinely cared for the
HBA, its members and his staff. When Don spoke,
people listened. He was a fine example and mentor to
many. His favorite saying was “Keep you sunny side
up!” He gave much encouragement to many.
Jerry Moser
Associates Council President 1968 & 1976
I have known Don since 1949 when we were both in
the Catholic Theatre Guild of Northern Kentucky
along with his brothers, Pete and Dick. We have
been great friends from that time on whether
building scenery for the shows or being on stage
performing. Don was always one you could rely
on to get a job done well, a menial one or a major
project. Don had a side many of you may never have
seen, that of a signer and dancer. Those were our
youthful “oat sowing, beer drinking” years. Some
things just don’t change.
Then came the years of work and family
and we still had the opportunity to work closely
together through HBA. Through these 64 years of
our friendship and our work together, I have never
heard anyone say a cross word against him. He was
fair minded, a great organizer and conscientious.
He was a man of integrity in every endeavor that he
would encounter, and a loyal friend to boot.
In these past several years since his retirement
he organized monthly luncheons with us “HBA old
timers” which he lovingly referred to as the “Old
Farts Group”. It won’t be the same without him. The
past year was very hard for him but he stayed just as
strong throughout it as he did for his entire lifetime.
We visited when he was in rehab and he held onto
10

Northern Kentucky BUILDER

optimism. We have lost a great person and a huge
friend of the Home Building Industry. He will be
sorely missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Jack Miller
President 1986
I first met Don in 1976 when I joined the Northern
Kentucky Home Builders Association. In those days
the HBA consisted of two staff members, Don and
Nancy McClanahan. They worked out of a converted
little two story house in Covington. From there our
association was built. Don was the perfect Executive
Vice President. He formed the basis of everything
our association does to this day. He started the
apprenticeship program, established working
relationships with local and state governmental
agencies and the people who ran them, established
the structure for the former Women’s Council and
the Sales and Marketing Council. He was the person
who made our association grow and thrive. Under
his direction our association grew to a position of
influence in the state and the region. He put the
welfare of our association and its members above all
else. During bad economic times and good economic
times, Don was the glue that held our association
together. Don had a vision of what our association
should be and made it happen. He dedicated his life
to our association.
He was a kind and gentle man. He always had
a genuinely warm smile on his face every time I
saw him. In all the years I knew him I never heard
him raise his voice in anger or say anything unkind
about anyone. He nurtured young members as they
worked their way up the ladder of leadership in
the association. He would meet with officials and
calmly explain the industry position on an issue
and resolve any differences. Always the optimist,
he would set aside disappointments and work to
turn them around. In his retirement years he put
his organizational skills to work one last time and
formed a monthly lunch for some of the older

members he worked with over the years. It was a
time for telling old war stories about battles won
and lost. It was a time for camaraderie. I will miss
him so very much.
Jean Miller
Women’s Council President 1989
With Don’s passing, I’ve lost a long-time friend and
mentor. My earliest memories of Don began in the
old HBANKY office which was located in an old
“shotgun” style house on 5th Street in Covington. It
was 1977 and I had agreed to assist with the “HBA
Women’s Auxiliary” Newsletter, Bits and Pieces. He
was always cordial and helpful, especially when I
had a disagreement with the mimeograph machine!
Don was always welcoming to new HBA
members and encouraged their involvement in
all aspects of service to our building industry.
That, too, applied to members of the HBANKY
Women’s Auxiliary which transformed into the
Women’s Council in the late 90’s. We had a very
large membership for many years – as many as
125+ in the 80’s and 90’s. I know that we most
likely tormented him with some of our fund-raising
projects, but he was always willing and able to
provide as much support as necessary.
Over the years I became more and more
involved with the National Association. Don’s
door was always open to my quest for information.
Having served at the National level himself, he
provided me with much appreciated guidance on
the governance and function of NAHB. As I rose
the ladder of leadership in the National Women’s
Council, Don’s advice and encouragement was
invaluable. He was a great mentor.
After Don’s retirement from the HBANKY,
we remained friends and kept in touch fairly
regularly. He had a bit of a rough journey the past
couple of years, but remained positive. I will miss
his broad smile and that deep voice saying, “Keep
your sunny side up!”

Brian Jones
Associates Council President 2001
I learned from Don how to be a leader in a volunteer
organization… with patience.
JoEllen Thompson
Associates Council President 2000
“The thing about Don was that he made you feel
like family. It was amazing how many people he
knew and how he remembered everyone’s name.”
“I especially loved his stories about the HBA
long ago. He was full of stories. You could just hear
the passion for the Association and it’s members”.
Frank Hicks
Associates Council President 1979
Don was always efficient, available and responsive.
Amy Gardner
Associate Council President 2009
Don was someone you could always turn to for
guidance, inspiration and of course a hug. He was
a mentor to me as I’m sure many others in this
industry. His friendship and dedication to the
HBA will be missed.
Rich Maile
President 2003
As a life-long Northern Kentuckian and third
generation builder, I feel lucky to have had the
opportunity to meet so many wonderful people who
add their mark on this wonderful community we call
our home. Among that enormous group of people,
Don Wiedeman is someone who stands distinctly at
the top of the list of very special people in my life.
The foundation of service and community
that Don helped build, well before I began my
career, is truly hard to grasp. Much of what makes
this community great, finds its roots in Don’s life
work. His contribution to the growth and progress
of Northern Kentucky cannot be over stated.
But what I find more impressive than WHAT
Don accomplished is HOW he accomplished so
much! I mean to say his demeanor, his integrity,
his professionalism, his respectful toughness, his
vision, work ethic, and his sincere desire to make
the world around him better. Don welcomed me
to the building and development community with
open arms and encouragement. He was generous
with his wisdom and advice; patient and always
open to new ideas, even if it came from a kid who
knew less than pen on his desk.
I am thankful to have known Don Wiedeman.
I am humbled by his many contributions to me and
all of us, and I am grateful that he shared a small part
of his life with me.
Rudy Kreutzjans
President 1987
Don was a great guy and a friend to all the members.

He was the HBA during his tenure and helped
strengthen the organization with each passing year.
He will not be forgotten.
Henry Fischer
President 1988
Elaine and I share in your loss of our good
friend, Don. I have many great memories of my
relationship with Don, beginning when I first had
contact with him over 40 years ago. His leadership
and fellowship at the Northern Kentucky HBA was
inspiring and will not be replicated. It is hard for me
to think about the HBA without thinking about
Don. He will be missed and is in our prayers.
John Yeager
President 1992
Don will always be remembered as The Dean of
Northern Kentucky Home Builders. He was there
in the beginning and brought that heritage and
wisdom to bear on each new generation. He treated
all of us members with respect, whether they build
one home or many. He had a wonderful sense of
humor, which included every year playing Santa
Claus on Christmas Eve in his neighborhood. I can
still hear him laughing.
Mike Enzweiler
Former HBA Staff
In good business practices we are cautioned that your
boss should not and cannot be your friend, we must
keep our friendship at a safe distance. Through my 25+
years of HBA employment, most of which were under
the direct supervision of Don, I immediately spotted
the depth of his integrity. Everything about him was
honest and forthright. Paramount at all times was the
well-being of the HBA membership. For Don, his jobrelated responsibilities extended far beyond his daily
work hours. During my 32+ years of knowing Don, I
constantly told others that he “ate, slept, breathed and
lived for the Home Builders Association of Northern
Kentucky.” The number of achievements during his
tenure as Executive Vice-President were immense
but he always reminded staff that it is the members’
association and every task that we perform needs to
be for their betterment as business people but also for
them as individuals.
It was after Don’s retirement that our
friendship grew even more. We were no longer
restrained by our professional business relationship
as boss/employee. He shared many stories about
the ups and downs of an association so tightly
tied with the economy and scores of adventures/
misadventures that we now cherish. There were
good times and lean times but his true self always
shined through. He was a leader who did not need
to demand.
Don and I worked closely together on projects
in our shared community of Camp Springs. Many
times I kidded with him about being a city boy

who moved to the country to become a city farmer.
Yes, he had cows (many of which became stuck in
the mud of his so-called pond and needed to be
hoisted out with a lift.) The annual Camp Springs
Herbst (Autumn) Tour was his baby. A free selfguided driving tour of our historic community that
we operated together until the day before he died
when I met with two community members who
agreed to take over for Don in his duties. Often
Don mentioned that we need to find additional
people to help with our duties. He would state
that “I’m not going to live forever”! , and I would
always give him the same reply, “Don, you are too
stubborn to die”. Not to become overly sentimental
but it seemed to me that shortly after (the morning
after) I was able to pull on board two quality
successors to continue Don’s work, that he was able
to relax and let go.
The Camp Springs Fire Department and in
particular the Annual Turkey Shoot served him
proud. Don and another community member
organized the first shoot (the 50th annual
celebrated in November 2012 with Don helping
work it). He said the idea was formulated at a local
Camp Springs tavern where he was known to “tip a
few”. For many years he dressed as Santa for children
in the community and visited their homes. Those
children are now in their forties and fifties but still
have fond memories of Christmas past.
Don you will be missed by the many HBA
members past and present, by your community
and your parish of St. Joseph in Camp Springs and
I will miss you as a former boss but so much more
as a true and steadfast friend. I am ever blessed for
having known you!
Paul Bogenschutz
President 2009
Don Weidman’s passing recently was a loss to the
entire housing community. When Don took over
as the executive director of the Home Builders
of NKY, he was instrumental in strengthening
the building codes and building practices of our
community for the betterment of all homeowners
who built in Northern Ky. I think his best attribute
was that he was able to get all sides to work
together so that it was a win-win for everyone.
He had a way about him that made you want to
volunteer and give back to your profession and he
always showed you appreciation for the time spent
on an association event or committee. Don, we’ll
all miss you around the Association.
Art Fischesser
Associates Council President 1987
“Remember, do business with a member, it’s good
business.” Don always had a calming appearance.
He never seemed rushed or anxious.

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LE CROWN
P
I
TR

Produced by

N

OR

MEMBER
THE

RN KENTU

HOMEFEST
2013

August 10th-August 25th in The Equestrian
at the prestigious Triple Crown Country Club
View new Homes from Adam Miller Homes, Fischer
Homes, Drees Homes, and Krumpleman Builders!
Come out and see Northern Kentuckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new home
Showcase to view beautiful professionally-built and
fully furnished homes will be on display August 10thAugust 25th. HOMEFEST is a great event to get
interior design ideas, see the latest in home trends, talk
to qualified professional home service and product
providers or talk to the builders of these fine homes to
help you with your home building dreams.
Home investment values for HOMEFEST range
from $500,000 and up.
Triple Crown is located in the Richwood Kentucky area. 1/4 Mile west
of I-75, just off of the Richwood exit (State Route 338). Directions from
Cincinnati - I-75 South to the Richwood Exit (#175) approximately
18 miles south of Cincinnati. Turn RIGHT off of the exit ramp, and
proceed through one traffic light. Approximately 1/2 mile from the
ramp, you will find the entrance to Triple Crown.

For more information on times and events

N

OR

MEMBER
THE

RN KENTU

CK

Y

www.HomeBuildersNKY.com

CK

Y

7th ANNUAL BUILDER REA
“Knock It Out of the Park” presented by

T

he 7th Annual Builder Realtor Bash really did “Knock It Out of the Park” this year! A record number of Realtors enjoyed ball park food
and beverage while connecting with Northern Kentucky builders and developers.
Congratulations to “Fischer Homes” who won the best decorated booth! A “Special Thank You” to the Northern Kentucky Association of
REALTORS™ who allowed us to use their facility. We also want to thank Mike Eubanks, American Mortgage, who made arrangements for the
appearance of “Belle” from Florence Freedom. Belle was a delight and all in attendance certainly enjoyed her.

Our Gold Sponsors

A Special “Thank You” to our Event
Sponsors! You make this event possible!
14

Northern Kentucky BUILDER

ALTOR BASH

Our Silver Sponsors

Northern Kentucky BUILDER

15

The projects
you’re
completing
now are this
years entries...
Produce
salesofleads
Get•Ready
for the Tour
Remodeled Homes!
It is•that Enhance
time of yearyour
to start
thinking
about
which project you
image
and
visibility
will•showcase
in thesales
Tour of
Generate
atRemodeled
the show Homes. With over
1,000
people
attending
the
event
it is your company’s biggest
• Reach potential clients
opportunity to market your trade in the most affordable
• Establish a presence in the marketplace
manner. The 2013 Tour of Remodeled Homes will run
• Personally meet your customers
October 5-6 and will last from Noon until 5pm.
•

Prospect for new customers

New Web Upgrades and Mobile App to Feature Homes!
This year your project will be featured on our newly upgraded
website. Home description, your company logo, and your contact
information are but a small part of the website experience. We will
add as many photos of the project as you can send us. Visitors to the
site will be able to plot their visit to and from the various projects
they are planning to see. On the iPhone mobile app users can
browse the images you send us, tap for maps and driving directions
and tap to call you, visit your website or shoot you an email.

2013

• Introduce
new products and services
Marketing
at New Heights
This
the HBA isyour
launching
new advertising
campaigns for
• year
Showcase
product
in ways not
its consumer
eventusing
like theother
Tour ofmarketing
Remodeled channels
Homes. We are
possible
already
experiencing
greater
consumer
response
at our shows
• Educate your target audience
like
Cavalcade
of Homes
in May.new
We will
invest
in $20,000
• theGet
exposure
if you’re
to the
industry
worth of media and combine that effort with an expanded
• Highlight a special or unique skill or project
public relations initiative that will result in greater exposure
• Get great radio and television exposure
for the Tour of Remodeled Homes. The show guide will be
distributed through Cincy Magazine.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are available for the event. The level of sponsorship
will determine the amount of exposure you receive during the
promotion of the event. Cavalcade of Homes sponsors are
already telling us that this approach is resulting in far greater
traffic and far better leads. Choose from Presenting, Official or
project sponsorship.

The Home Builders Associations of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati are
Toincheck
out the iPhone mobile
2013
partnering to produce this scattered site show featuring remodeled homes
the Tristate.

produced by

NO

RTH

ERN KENTUC

KY

app scan this QR code. Call
Melanie Meyer at 859-331-9500
or by email at melaniem@hbanky.
com for more info on marketing
and sponsorship opportunities.

MAKE PLANS NOW!

TOUR IS OCTOBER 5TH ANd 6TH
Call 859.331.9500 or visit www.HomeBuildersNKY.com for details

From 2011
the Director
Autumn
of Professional
Development
Continuing Education
Schedule
HBA Northern Kentucky

I

September

began my career as Director of the Enzweiler Apprentice Training and
Trade School and HBA Northern Kentucky just over two years ago. I
walked in to a school full of dedicated teachers and students, all wanting
to make their lives better through gaining licensure in the trades. Students
were eager to help me acclimate and teachers embraced new ideas and teaching
practices immediately. Although the first few months were rough, we came
through it all a lot stronger and equipped to look at the figure of what this
Training school
* 11 could
am - offer
1 pm
Northern Kentucky.

By the end of my first full year here at Enzweiler, the ranks of students had
swollen by more
than 50%
and 12
classrooms
“Moisture and Air Barrier Solutions”
by Enviro
Dri
pm - were
2 pmbuzzing with activity. HBA
members embraced what the school could offer and provided input on
what needed to be taught, supplied expertise on their own time and most
importantly gave students a chance by hiring them for Apprenticeships with
their companies. With all of this positive change we were awarded with the
Nationalyour
Association
of Home
Award
Best Workforce
Tim Shepelak Presents “Improving
Business
andBuilders
Life” AEA
11 am
- 1for
pm
Development Plan.

I was amazed! That award was such a testament to the faith and hard work of everyone involved with the
October 13th Insulated
Concrete Forms for Green Builders and Remodelers 10 am - 12 pm
School and the commitment of the HBA to the betterment of Northern Kentucky.

October 14th Concrete and Masonry Construction Safety* 3 pm - 5 pm
By the beginning of this academic year our student ranks and swollen to sizes that were only constrained by fire code! More

October
18th Electrical
9 am
- and
11 am
than a hundred
new studentsSafety*
joined the
school
the response from HBA members met that growth. 95% of the students
at Enzweiler School currently work in their field and most were hired by HBA members to meet their growing need for
October
20th Effective Business Writing 1 pm - 3 pm

skilled labor in their fields. Many HBA companies began hiring exclusively from Enzeweiler and the students have met the
expectations
for them bythe
their
new employers
are fast becoming
new skilled10
workforce
of Northern
October
25th set“Closing
Deal”,
Sellingand
Yourself
and yourtheBusiness
am - 12
pm Kentucky for
greater Cincinnati.

October 26-27 OSHA Workplace Safety 12 pm - 5 pm on both days

With the
springWork
graduating
classSafety
this year,
we were once
October
31st
Zone
Training*
11again
am -honored
1 pmwith a NAHB award for our Education programming!
We were awarded the 2012 Best Overall Education Program award!

It is with great humility and gratitude that we at the Enzweiler School would like to thank Home Builders Members, Staff and

* Indicates
Safety Classes that fulfill AGC requirements for 2011 and 2 hours of Safety C.E. required for all
Supporters for all of their contributions and support. It’s been an amazing few years! I am excited for what the future holds for
Registered
Builders
and and
Registered
Remodelers.
HBA Northern
Kentucky
the Enzweiler
Apprentice Training and Trade School!
With gratitude and my sincerest appreciation,

thomas napier, PhD

Thomas Napier, Ph.D.
Director of Professional Development
Home Builder’s Association of Northern Kentucky

Northern Kentucky BUILDER

17

Multifamily Housing Growth Poised
to Continue in 2013
Written by Robert Dietz

A

fter years of downturn, home building is now solidly
contributing to economic growth. An important factor
behind that growth has been the expansion of multifamily
construction such as apartment buildings and condominiums.
As a result of the housing crisis, homeownership is down,
particularly among younger households. In addition, the overall
number of households—homeowners and renters combined—is down
compared to where it should be given the population growth.
This trend has translated into a lot of potential in household
formation—as many as two million future households according
to some estimates, with most of them expected to become renters as
economic and labor market conditions improve.
The result for the building industry has been an increase in the
demand for rental units, which in turn has reduced rental vacancy rates
and driven demand for multifamily construction.
For example, the number of empty rental units shrunk greatly in
the last two years according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly Housing
Vacancy Survey. Peaking at just over 11 percent, the current measure
stands at 8.7 percent as of the end of 2012, comparable to levels seen
in early 2002.
With fewer units available for a growing number of renters, 2012
marked significant growth in multifamily construction. The graph
below charts multifamily units started on a smoothed, three-month
moving average. After falling to a low of 75,000 units a year in late
2009 (a greater than 75 percent drop in activity from the peak of
the market), new construction now comes in at a 306,000 rate on an
annualized basis, a 49 percent improvement year-over-year.
And this growth should continue. Survey data of multifamily
developers, as reported by the National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB) Multifamily Production Index (MPI), suggests
more businesses seeing positive market conditions. The most recent
reading of the MPI was 52, with any reading above 50 indicating more
developers seeing an improving environment. The MPI has been above
50 for three straight quarters as of the third quarter of 2012.
The NAHB Economics forecast for multifamily construction
projects another strong annual increase in 2013. Multifamily starts
should increase another 31 percent over 2012 to 335,000 total units
for the year. And like growth in other parts of the housing sector, this
additional development activity should add jobs to the construction
sector, about 1,110 jobs for every 1,000 multifamily units built
according to industry estimates.
Wild cards in the multifamily forecast could be the fate of various
policy issues. For example, the future of the Low-Income Housing
Tax Credit could be affected by tax reform. The tax credit is a major
development tool that ensures the financing of affordable housing and
supports about 95,000 jobs annually.
The tax treatment of carried interest is also under debate. While
typically associated with financial interests and fund managers, a
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Northern Kentucky BUILDER

carried interest is a common and important mechanism in the real
estate industry to attract investment, allocate business risk, and align
the interests of developers and investors. Increasing the tax rate on
carried interests for real estate would reduce the rate of multifamily
construction going forward.
Robert Dietz is an economist with the National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB). Previously an economist with the Congressional Joint Committee
on Taxation, Robert writes on housing and policy issues at NAHB’s economics
blog Eye on Housing. Follow Robert on Twitter at @dietz_econ. The
information presented here does not necessarily represent the views of NAHB
or its membership.

The Millennium Club is an elite group of companies whose contribution pays
for the refreshments and entertainment at membership meetings and events like
the Annual Golf Outing, Tabletop Night, and the Inaugural Luncheon.
Northern Kentucky BUILDER

19

Annual Housing & Economic Forecast

T

he Annual Housing & Economic
Forecast Breakfast held at the
Radisson Hotel on May 9th was a
rare opportunity to network with Northern
Kentucky’s top three business organizations.
The event was held by the Home Builders
Association of Northern Kentucky Sales &
Marketing Council, Northern Kentucky
Chamber of Commerce and the Northern
Kentucky Association of REALTORS™.
Attendees learned insightful information
from the region’s economic leaders about
today’s economy and the economy of the next
three years.
If you missed this event you can download the
presentation slides : http://www.hbanky.com/
site/publisher/files/May%209%202013%20
Housing%20and%20Economic%20Forecast.
pdf, or use your smartphone to download it
using the QR code above.

Janis Beard,
Director of
Membership
Celebrates 25
Years of Service
to HBA!

A

t the April 2013 HBA Board of Directors meeting the HBA
leadership took time to congratulate Janis Beard and thank her
for her years of dedicated service to the HBA. Janis began her
time at the HBA in February of 1988 as help from a temporary staffing
agency. Over the next several months HBA management was so happy with
her work that she was asked to take on fulltime employment at the HBA
where she began on May 2, 1988. Over the last 25 years Janis has taken
on many roles at the HBA including receptionist, administrative assistant,
membership coordinator and finally Director of Membership in 1999;
the position she holds today. Many of Janis’ past duties have included staff
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Northern Kentucky BUILDER

training and managing the Northern Kentucky Builder magazine among
many other responsibilities. Over the years Janis has grown into her role
of liaison for the Ambassador Club, the Membership committee, the Sales
& Marketing Council, Registered Builder/Remodeler Committee, and the
Associates Committee. She manages several events and duties at the HBA
including the Associates Outing, HBA affinity programs, Continuing
Education Records, Membership Development and Records Retention,
HBA Annual Golf Outing, and the Holiday Party & Inaugural Ball. Janis,
the HBA is proud to have you as a part of our team and we look forward to
many years to come as a valued part of the HBA. Congratulations!

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Family owned and operated for more than 65 years. Our knowledgeable staff has
superior industry knowledge and design skills combined with top product offerings
like – Andersen, Schrock, Dynasty Omega, Therma Tru Doors, Timbertech.
Visit one of our three locations today and experience the difference.

o rational business owner wants to be involved
in litigation. Lawsuits are expensive and bad for
business. Nevertheless, involvement in a legal dispute
at some point is virtually inevitable for most companies. Deals
go bad, accidents happen, and people violate the law. These
realities highlight the need for prudent business owners to take
precautionary steps in order to protect themselves from some of
the ill effects of litigation. The mistakes made by the defendants in a recent Kentucky
Court of Appeals case demonstrate the danger of failing to take such precautions.
The Kentucky Court of Appeals decided Smith v. Bear, Inc. in April of this year.
The case involved a Kentucky corporation, Smith Services, Inc., that developed a running
fuel account with a local gas station, Bear Inc. Over time, Smith Services accrued a $26,000
unpaid balance on its fuel account. Bear, Inc. filed suit on the debt against both Smith
Services and its sole shareholder, Tony Smith. Bear, Inc. eventually obtained a judgment
against Mr. Smith personally (not just the company) for over $130,000 (on the $26,000
debt)! However, this was an avoidable disaster for Mr. Smith. Had he taken certain basic
precautionary steps, he could have avoided personal liability for his company’s debt and
dramatically reduced the judgment amount.
Mr. Smith’s two worst mistakes were (1) attempting to defend the lawsuit himself;
and (2) failing to preserve the protection of his personal assets that his corporation would
have provided. Mr. Smith’s first mistake speaks for itself—his self-representation resulted
in the $26,000 corporate debt ballooning into a $130,000 personal judgment. Mr. Smith’s
second mistake compounded the problem.
Incorporating one’s business protects the owner’s assets from the debts and liabilities
of the company. Creditors generally cannot pursue an owner’s personal assets to satisfy
corporate debts. However, it is not as easy as simply filing the corporate paperwork. Mr.
Smith lost his corporate protection because: (1) he failed to file the corporation’s annual
reports; (2) he failed to undertake any of the required corporate formalities (no shareholder
meetings, no minutes kept, no distributions or salaries paid, etc.); and (3) he funneled
$173,434 in corporate assets to himself through “loans” from the company.
One may not use his or her corporation as a sham to avoid personal debts, taxes,
and liabilities. In such situations, a court will “pierce the corporate veil” and permit a creditor
to pursue the owner’s personal assets. It appears that Mr. Smith attempted to “loan” himself
all the corporate monies and shut down his company in an effort to prevent Bear, Inc. from
being able to collect on Smith Service’s fuel account debt. This scheme backfired. Had Mr.
Smith simply paid himself a reasonable salary and maintained a minimum level of corporate
formality, he could have avoided personal liability for the defunct company’s debts.
Do not end up like Mr. Smith. Incorporate your business, honestly follow the basic
corporate rules, and consult with a lawyer if sued. These simple precautions can prevent a
$26,000 corporate debt from turning into a $130,000 personal nightmare.
If you would like to know more about these issues, please contact Ryan McLane, a Northern
Kentucky associate in the Construction, Medical Malpractice, Administrative Law, and Civil
Litigation Practice Groups at Dressman Benzinger LaVelle psc. Ryan can be reached at (859)
426-2143 or via email at rmclane@dbllaw.com.

Northern Kentucky BUILDER

23

What’s New with Pella

Pella Impervia Dual-Color Option NOW AVAILABLE!
Neither wind nor rain nor sleet or snow stops determined mail
carriers. Nor do those elements and other climate extremes phase
Pella Corporation’s energy-efficient Pella Impervia line, expanding
in the Summer of 2011 to include White interior option for all units.
Pella Impervia windows and patio doors offer more style and
design flexibility for your customers. With the new dual-color
option, Pella Impervia products can have a White interior with the
choice of White, Tan or Brown exterior.
Pella Impervia windows and patio doors arrive pre-finished
with a powder-coat paint finish on both interior and exterior. This
durable finish stays looking great for years with little care.

“We’re pleased to offer more innovative solutions to builders
and homeowners living in areas where a stronger, more durable
window is a must,” said Duane Putz, director of sales and marketing
for Pella Impervia. “This product is made for hot, cold, wet or windy
climates and now it’s available in more styles.”
Pella Impervia can withstand the forces of Mother Nature without
cracking, shrinking or warping in extreme weather conditions. The
sleek-profiled innovative products made from Duracast®, the strongest
most durable material in windows and doors, are virtually maintenancefree and well-suited to today’s busy lifestyles and balanced budgets for
home and business owners.* Builders, remodelers and homeowners
may choose from convenient factory prefinished brown, white or tan
color options and now have a White interior!

For more information, please contact your local Pella representative or call 513-936-5240.
24

Northern Kentucky BUILDER

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